Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out the conclusion of an excellent series on the Comixology Originals line. Red Tag #5 by Rafael Scavone, Rafael Albuquerque, Roger Cruz, Chris Peter & Bernardo Brice has showcased the adventures of a trio of friends who become involved in a political scheme that has drastic effects on an upcoming election in Brazil. The book has taken some great twists but it’s time for this chapter to end. Let’s see how this final chapter of the story plays out, shall we?

Red Tag #5 (of 5) - On Sale June 5th
Creative: Rafael Scavone, Roger Cruz, Chris Peter & Bernardo Brice
Photo Credit: Comixology Originals/Stout Club

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story of Lis, Lu and Leco has been an exciting one to read. Based in the streets of San Paulo, While standing up for a simple vendor on the street, the trio takes the phone of a corrupt policeman named Noronha. Unknown to them is that phone has secrets of plans to influence an upcoming election, including taking out an opposing candidate in Neto. With that information now open to the people, the powers that be are doing all they can to stop the three and keep their plans in place. A big factor to fixing this mess has been bringing in Zé Fofinho, a dangerous man who will do anything to clean up this mess. From killing Noronha to torturing Leco, Zé Fofinho will stop at nothing to end this. The three are now on the run and time is running out. Can they get the information to the right people and stop the election from being tampered with?

The final chapter begins with a flashback of Zé Fofinho in 1979. It’s another showcase of how evil this man truly is. Once sped up to present time (2018), Zé Fofinho is hot on pursuit of the three after the daring rescue of Leco last issue. Meanwhile, the three are working with a reporter by the name of Roque Alves to find out Zé Fofinho’s identity. From here, the pace really speeds up into a frantic action sequence as the walls close in on the 3 when trouble arrives at their front door….literally. When it’s settled, readers get the big showdown between Zé Fofinho and our heroes that has been building since the beginning. How does all this play out? trust me when I say this: readers will have a decisive conclusion to this story and one that they will want to immediately read again.

Scavone puts a well placed conclusion in place with this issue. The character of Zé Fofinho has been one that’s commanded the panels that he’s been in with his presence. The chess match that has been going on these past issues has been exciting to read. Lis has been the voice of the voiceless for this series and showed that never-back-down attitude even in the face of certain danger. Never more so does this come t the fore front than during the standoff. Readers will be excited to see how this plays out. The ending is very fitting for where the story was heading. In a world that could always use some courage, this story showed that courage can come from unexpected places and still pack a much needed impact when needed.

Cruz’s art was spectacular for this finale. The action sequences when the fight came to the front door was fun and creative to witness. During this story, it’s easy to forget that the heroes are not trained or having any super powers. They’re ordinary people with a will to help make change. The fights make perfect sense and the standoff proves to deliver the intensity of the moment. It’s fluid to the pacing. Nothing feels rushed and plays out very natural to the story. Great final panel to close this chapter out on.

Overall, Red Tag #5 delivers a satisfying conclusion to a very engaging story. Rafael Scavone, Rafael Albuquerque, Roger Cruz & the team present the power of courage in the face of insurmountable odds with excellent storytelling and art. The book is a great read and should be on your radar when looking thru Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Red Tag #5. As always, thanks for reading!

RED TAG #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/STOUT CLUB)

Ken M